by Irshad Ahmad Mughal
Few nations share a history as intertwined—or as tragically divided—as India and Pakistan. Yet in our current era of jingoism and hyper-nationalism, we’ve forgotten the wisdom of the very leaders who shaped our independence: Mahatma Gandhi, the global icon of nonviolence, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, a constitutionalist who championed legal and political struggle over brute force. Today, media and social platforms amplify hatred, war-mongering, and dehumanization—a far cry from Gandhi’s ahimsa or Jinnah’s disciplined advocacy.
Meanwhile, the world offers grim lessons. The Israel-Hamas conflict shows a nuclear-armed state fighting a militia, with no victor emerging—only endless suffering. The Ukraine-Russia war demonstrates how even a “superpower” becomes bogged down in a conflict it cannot decisively win. Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria stand as proof that military force alone breeds chaos rather than stability. War is not just destructive—it has become obsolete. In a nuclearized South Asia, a full-scale India-Pakistan conflict would mean millions dead within hours, generations poisoned by radiation and trauma, and no winners—only mutual annihilation.
Some strategists argue that military strength prevents war, but history shows otherwise. Deterrence fails when perception overrides reason, as seen in conflicts between India and Pakistan in 1962, 1999, and 2019. Hate narratives that portray “the enemy as evil” only justify endless hostility, ultimately benefiting arms dealers and autocrats while harming ordinary citizens.
The alternative exists—if we choose to pursue it. We must prioritize dialogue over drums of war by resuming diplomatic talks, even on contentious issues like Kashmir and terrorism. Citizen diplomacy through student exchanges, joint cultural festivals, and increased trade—such as the visa-free Kartarpur pilgrimage corridor—can build bridges. Sports can reconnect people, as seen when cricket tours and hockey matches create moments where cheers transcend borders. The media must take responsibility by stopping its glorification of war and amplifying voices of reconciliation instead.
Gandhi and Jinnah fought not for flags but for principles. If we truly honor their legacy, we must reject the madness of mutual destruction and choose the harder but more rewarding path: peace through courage, understanding through engagement, and prosperity through cooperation. The choice between continued hostility and a new era of peace remains ours to make.
About the Author:
Irshad Ahmad Mughal is the chairman of the Iraj Education & Development Foundation, based in 82B, New Chaburji Park, Lahore.
